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E. Getting Help with Claim-Related Problems
City of Seattle
The Workers’ Compensation Unit (WCU), housed within the Seattle Department of Human Resources, is responsible for administering claims for potentially work-related injuries and illnesses for City of Seattle employees. The City is self-insured and self-administered. For more information and help with claims, contact the Workers’ Compensation Unit at 206-684-7855.
You can also view and download the City’s Guide to Workers’ Compensation Benefits for information.
State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)
Your claim is managed by the City of Seattle. If you have a problem with a claim, your first point of contact should be the City or their administrator. However, if you have been unable to resolve
your problem with the City, the Department of Labor & Industries Self-Insurance Section is responsible for overseeing how claims are managed. If you have a problem with a claim, contact the L&I Self-Insurance Section.
Department of Labor & Industries Self-Insurance Section by:
Phone: 360-902-6901
Fax: 360-902-6900
Mail: Department of Labor & Industries Self-Insurance Section
PO Box 44892
Olympia WA 98504-4892
Online Customer Service
You can also use L&I’s online system to report problems related to time-loss compensation, medical care, or other issues. L&I’s customer service website can also be used by health-care providers, attorneys, or individuals authorized to act on your behalf. The customer service site is at www.Lni.wa.gov/SIClaimProblems.
How L&I works with employers
L&I staff can often resolve problems by working with an employer. However, in some cases, they may not be able to resolve your problem, or at least not immediately. Telling L&I about problems with claims is still very important. Each customer service issue is tallied and if there’s a pattern, they will take action to improve how the employer manages claims.
If you do not want the City to see your report about your problem, contact the independent Office of the Ombuds instead of using our website. More information on the Office of the Ombuds follows below.
Revealing of Mental Health Conditions and Treatment
Your employer has the right to access your claim file, including mental health information. An employer can only reveal your mental health conditions or treatment to people who are authorized to access the information.
Examples of authorized people your employer can communicate with about your claim are:
- You or your representative.
- The City or their representatives.
- Medical providers treating or examining you. • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
- Authorized L&I personnel.
Privacy is your right as a patient. L&I understands the need to keep your mental health information confidential, and Washington state law (Chapter 51.28.070 RCW) helps protect the privacy of your claim file.
If the City reveals information about your mental health conditions or treatment to an unauthorized person without written consent, the City is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 per occurrence. All complaints regarding this violation must be investigated to determine if the City or its authorized representative violated the law.
Example 1: The City sends an electronic correspondence to three people who are not authorized to receive claim information. The correspondence shares your mental health condition from the claim file. Since the information was sent through one electronic correspondence, the City will be charged for one occurrence.
Example 2: One of the unauthorized people in Example 1 forwarded the electronic correspondence to an unauthorized person the next morning. Later that afternoon, that same person sent an additional correspondence to another unauthorized person. Since the unauthorized person sent the mental health information to other unauthorized people on two separate occasions, the City will be charged for two additional occurrences.
Example 3: On three separate occasions, an authorized representative verbally shares mental health information from your claim file with three different unauthorized people. Since the information was shared in three separate conversations, the City will be charged for three occurrences.
If you believe your confidential mental health information has been shared with unauthorized people, please let L&I know at www.lni.wa.gov/claims/for-workers/injured-what-you-need-to-know/confidentiality.
L&I Service Locations
Visit www.lni.wa.gov/agency/contact/#office-locations for a list of service locations throughout Washington State.
The Office of Ombuds: An Independent Advocate
The Office of Ombuds operates independently of L&I to advocate for injured workers employed by self-insured businesses. The Governor appoints the Ombuds.
The office is available to answer questions about workers’ compensation and explain your rights and responsibilities under the law. The office investigates workers’ compensation complaints and works with your claims administrator and/or L&I to resolve claim-related issues.
How to file a complaint with the Ombuds
You may contact the Ombuds’ Office in writing or by phone. If you file a complaint by mail or fax, please include your name, contact information, claim number, and a brief description of your issues.
Confidentiality
The files and records of the Ombuds’ Office are confidential. Your information will not be disclosed without your authorization.
Contact the Ombuds
Office of the Ombuds for Injured Workers of Self-Insured Employers
Phone: 888-317-0493 (toll-free)
Fax: 253-596-3885
Mail: 950 Broadway Suite 200
Tacoma WA 98402
For more information, visit http://ombuds.selfinsured.wa.gov
Project HELP
Project HELP provides information to educate and counsel those engaged in workers’ compensation claims. The project’s goal is to assist in early and successful claims resolution, ensure that all rights are preserved and protected, and reduce unnecessary litigation. Project HELP offers workshops, seminars, and one-on-one counseling. All services are provided free of charge.
The project works in partnership with the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Learn more about Project HELP’s services at www.projecthelpwa.com. You can also call Project HELP toll-free at 1-800-255-9752.